Nachos Beware

We woke up at around five this morning, and Dad was out on the road for an early start. The temperatures were down in the high fifties, and there was the faintest hint of a fall like crispness in the air. It’s the kind of morning that makes me glad that I’m a morning person and a whole lot different then when I made my way through this area about five weeks ago on my own.

Dad pounded out another sixteen miles today, and he had things wrapped up by just before three pm. He’s holding up amazingly well, and if things come off as planned, he should be crossing the Mississippi River tomorrow on the bridge between Fulton, Illinois and Clinton, Iowa.

I should probably let him speak for himself, but by all appearances, he’s getting back into the groove of putting away miles and actually finding enjoyment in the experience. His foot has healed, and it doesn’t seem to be giving him more than the ordinary trouble associated with pounding away on it day after day. He also appears to be settling into the mental mindset that makes the long distance amble not only endurable but enjoyable. 

I’m also enjoying the opportunity to revisit old miles. Driving the water wagon makes it a different experience for sure, but the last time I was in this area, I was operating under the assumption that I would not see the land and the scenery again anytime soon. It’s good to see some of the same people and catch up on what’s happened in the last several weeks. I enjoy seeing a convenience store and knowing that they are one of the few in this area that carry grapefruit Bubly. Crossing a bridge over the railroad and remembering that I watched a train rumble through heading west in the early morning before the sun got too hot brings a flood of memories back to the surface of all that we’ve been allowed to see and experience along the path.

It’s also good to have the opportunity to experience new things in largely the same environment. Today, we ate dinner at an outstanding barbeque restaurant named Smoked on 3rd in Sterling, IL. I believe it’s one of the best meals we’ve had in the hundreds of places we’ve visited. 

Nachos Beware - Sterling, IL

I guess Dad thought so too because he tackled a big plate of pulled pork nachos in a way that was both awe inspiring and a little bit frightening. Hey….he’s gotta fuel up for tomorrow because if things go to plan he’ll be crossing the Mississippi River and heading into Iowa.